Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 5, 1992 TAG: 9203050136
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: STEVE KARK CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: PEARISBURG LENGTH: Medium
The group presented the petition during a public hearing on the county's plan to change the zoning from primarily residential to limited commercial development.
The petition is signed by 19 residents who own property in the area affected by the proposed rezoning. Their chief concern is that the rezoning plan ignores the considerable commercial development that already exists along the roadway.
Paul Wagner, spokesman for the group and owner of Eastern Gun & Supply, a manufacturing and mail-order business located off U.S. 219, said it was improperly zoned in the first place. He said the area ought to be rezoned to reflect the current uses of the land.
In addition to Eastern Gun & Supply, the short stretch of road is home to McKenzie Lumber Co., a Dairy Queen, a grocery store, two convenience stores and three furniture stores.
Defending the proposed change, Planning Commission member Harvey Niday said there are twice as many residential lots as there are business lots along the roadway.
Besides, Niday said, there is no reason for concern because a grandfather clause was built into the original plan, ensuring that businesses along U.S. 219 will be able to continue as they always have.
Wagner and his group were unimpressed.
They said that while the clause allows commercial development that began before zoning went into effect at the beginning of the year, it would not automatically allow development after that date. Under the new designation, business people would have to obtain the county's approval on all new commercial projects, they said.
Supervisor Samuel "Ted" Timberlake referred to a number of vacant buildings and empty lots throughout the county that used to contain thriving businesses. He suggested that in light of the number of businesses that have failed, the board should make it easier for business to survive in the county.
Supervisors Chairman Bobby Compton told the group, "we did not pass this zoning law to put hardship on the people of the county." He said that despite the difficulties it has caused, he continues to support zoning because it protects the people of the county.
The supervisors also held public hearings on two other rezoning proposals.
One would change the designation of a large area primarily in the eastern and central districts to allow a single mobile home per lot where currently they have not been allowed. The majority of the property affected by the change exists along the corridors on either side of several primary and secondary roads near Rich Creek, Narrows, Staffordsville and Pembroke.
Both Timberlake and Supervisor George Hedrick expressed opposition to this rezoning plan. Each said he preferred that if the change is made, he wanted his own land to retain the original designation forbidding mobile homes.
Another would rezone a parcel adjacent to U.S. 100 south of Pearisburg from rural to a general business usage. Owner Jack Price has been developing the land for this purpose for some time.
Before the supervisors take action on the proposed changes, they must be discussed by the county Planning Commission, which will then make its recommendations to the Board.
by CNB